Post Thanksgiving Bed Yoga Poses

Let’s face it; Thanksgiving got you stuffed. Pun intended. It is so easy to lay around and think about all the exercise you will do, starting Monday. Treat your body to some simple bed yoga poses that even non-yogis could do. I research typical bed poses, and I picked and chose the ones that even my mom, who has never done yoga, could do.

Start with Happy Baby. Not only will you be happy, because you are doing something called, Happy Baby, but your tight hips and lower back muscles will thank you. All you have to do is lie on your back. You might want to move your pillow, so you’re just lying on the mattress. Stick your legs up and do a mini-spread eagle in the air. Then bend your knees and hold onto the outside edges of your feet with your hands. Gently use your upper body strength to pull your knees toward the bed. Take three to five deep breaths, then release.

While you are releasing from Happy Baby, go into Knees to Chest. Continue to lie on your back, bend your knees into your chest and clasp your hands around both shins. To get some movement in your neck, nod your head from side to side. Take three to five breaths, then release.

Alright time to sit up. I know, you have to get up. The Butterfly pose will give your hips and lower back muscles some much-needed love. Just sit with your knees bent and the soles of your feet together. With a straight spine, fold forward over your legs, depending on your flexibility, you will rest your hands on your feet, your knees, or on the bed in front of you. Take three to five breaths, then release.

Time to flip over. Personally, I love this pose. The Cobra opens up your chest and helps you take in those deep breaths. This pose feels great on your back, chest, and abs. First, you will lie on your belly placing your forearms on the bed, so your elbows are underneath your shoulders. If it feels okay, then lift the elbows off the bed. Remember to keep your hips resting on the bed as you gently press your chest away from your hands. Then roll your shoulders away from your ears. This will help elongate your neck. You can either gaze in front of you or lower your head back between your shoulder blades. Take three to five breaths, then release.

The last position is Child’s Pose. This is a simple, relaxing pose, and you can use this time to set your day’s intentions. Bring your knees in from the Cobra position. You want to sit on your heels with your shins resting on the bed. Then just fold forward, where your chest is resting on your things. You want to relax completely. You can either have your arms by your legs or in front of you- whatever feels relaxing. Take three to five breaths, then release.

Come out of your bed yoga, and start your extra day off with a smile. Bonus you have all those Thanksgiving leftovers waiting for you in your kitchen.